Page 34 of Broken Bonds

I’m your shield, I’m right here with you. Lean on me.

Tomorrow will be another day and I will have time to deal with the consequences, now all I want is to feel his warmth and comfort him with mine.

Maybe my trust is broken, but he’s right, there is something big between us. Or the promise of it.

No one can run before learning to walk. I’m going to be like a baby walking with unsteady legs making its way into the world for the first time. I think I’m going to stay.

Fuck it, I’m going to stay.

Because the best is yet to come, right?

Chapter 12

My pillow is warm and cozy. This might be one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept on.

I settle again, covering myself with the blankets up to my neck, not even bothering to open my eyes. It feels like heaven.

“Stella, stay still,” I hear his throaty voice. “Move that knee a little higher and you’re going to crack my nuts, and it’s far too early for that.”

Amidst the haze of sleep and satisfaction around me, it takes a few seconds for my brain to process that information.

I sit up quickly on the bed like I’m powered by a spring, dragging the sheet up with me to cover myself. Well, it’s not like I’m naked, my body is fully dressed in one of my grandmother-style pajamas.

“What the hell did you do?” I ask, killing him with a look, wondering how we ended up being a tangled mess on the bed. I honestly don’t know.

“I didn’t do anything,” he counters as he positions himself more comfortably.

His messy hair and his features softened by sleep make my heart flutter.

“Don’t give me that innocent face,” I continue with my hands on my chest clutching the sheet so it doesn’t slip, I’m using it as a shield. It’s useless, I know.

“After you went to the bathroom, I waited for you for a while. I must have fallen asleep at some point. Those pills are quite strong.”

Yes, yes, excuses, excuses.

“Evidence doesn’t lie,” he continues with a smirk. “You were sleeping on my side of the river.”

“That isn’t true,” I reply stubbornly, but he has a point. Facts are on his side.

“You should admit I’m a great pillow. You were quite comfortable.” He looks at me, putting his hand on his shoulder to massage it.

The scars there remind me of how close he was to…

Stop it, Stella!

“As a pillow you’re tolerable,” I retort, there is no point in denying that his chest is very cozy.

I guess old habits die hard.

“You used me as a pillow, and you can’t even give me credit for it.” His hand travels until he’s touching his chest, over his heart. “You wound me deeply, Stella, worse than the bullets.”

I give him the stink eye.

“Don’t even joke about that,” I warn him.

“So what? Are you going to admit you liked sleeping with me? I’m a good pillow.”

“As a head and neck support, you’re quite efficient.”

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